Coin controlled fluid dispensing apparatus



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COIN CONTROLLED FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS l0 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 31, 1949 Fig.1 "I

INVENTORI VERN W. WEST BY WHITEHEAD avosL :PER

ATTORNEYS Sept. 16, 1952 v w, T 2,610,722

COIN CONTROLLED FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 51, 1949 l0 Sheets-Sheet 2 JNVENTOR. VERN W. WEST g 4 I BY WHiTEHEAD a VOGL PER WI ATTORNEYS Sept. 16, 1952 v. w. WEST COIN CONTROLLED FL UID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 51,, 1949 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fig. 6

illi/fill INVENTOR. VERN W. WEST BY WHITEHEAD a VOGL Fig. 8

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AT TOZNEYS Sept. 16, 1952 v-. w. WEST v COIN CONTROLLED FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 51, 1949 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 mg I08 Fig'. 9

INVENTOR. VERN W. WEST BY WHITEHEAD 8 VOGL PER W/ ATT Sept. 16, 1952 v. w. WEST 2,610,722

COIN CONTROLLED FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 31, 1949 10 Sheets-Sheet '5 Fig. I3

INVENTOR.

VERN W. WEST BY WHITEHEAD ,a voe|.

PER

v ATTORNE V. W. WEST COIN CONTROLLED FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 31, 1949 Sept. 16, 1952 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 Fig.

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V W WEST COIN CONTROLLED FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Sept. 16, 1952 1led Aug 31, 1949 COIN CONTROLLED FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 31, 1949 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 v RN w vi 'T E 'F 7 BY WHITEHEAD a VOGL PER 4%. I9 Fig. I8

AT TO/R NEY s Sept. 16, 1952 v. w. WEST com CONTROLLED FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Aug. 31, 1949 Fig. 27

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COIN CONTROLLED FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 31, 1949 10 Sheets-Sheet 1O Fig. 28

JNVENTOR.

VE RN W. WE S T BY WHITEHEAD a VOGL PER ATTORNEYS Patented Sept. 16, 1952 OFFICE.

COIN CONTROLLED FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Vern W. West, Bennett, 0010.

Application August 31, 1949,,Serial No. 113,274

' 7 Claims. (Cl. 19413) This invention relates to means and apparatus 2 V for the vending and dispensing of fluids and .especially inflammable fluids and the like, and

especially apparatus of the said class operable to automatically deliver a measured quantity of fluid proportioned to the value of a given standard coin employed to actuate the apparatus.

Objects of the invention are: (a) to provide improved means to automatically measure a coin; (c) to provide improved means in manually-controlled pump-type dispensing apparatus for delivering a given quantity of fluid through the actuation of a standard coin; (d) to provide improved means in manually-controlled computing-meter pump-type dispensing apparatus for regulation of the quantity of fluid dispensed by linkage of the computing meter with dispensing controls; (e) to provide means for linkage between a computing meter and dispensing controls for regulation of dispensing controls through actuation of the computing meter; (f)

to provide improved means for coin-operation of linkage between computing meter and dispensing controls of fluid dispensing apparatus for adjustably and automatically starting and restricting the'quantity of fluid delivered, that equivalent to the valve of a coin; (g) to provide improved means in such apparatus for measuring and delivering a quantity of volatile and inflammable fluid for eliminating all flre hazards; (h) to provide improved apparatus of the character described that is simple and inexpensive of construction and installation, fully automatic in operation to the point of ultimate discharge of measured fluid, which is susceptible of simple and convenient adjustment to proportion the quantity of delivered fluid to the value of a given coin, which may be fully automatic in operation or which may have the automatic feature disconnected for manual operation, and which requires a minimum of maintenance for efficient operation through long periods of use.

-With these and other objects in view, all of which will more fully hereinafter appear, my invention comprises certainnovel constructions,

combinations and arrangements of parts, as will be hereinafter fully described and as defined in the appended claims and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figurel isa somewhat conventionalized elevation, partly in section, of an embodiment of the invention as arranged in a common type of computing fluid meter pump for practical use.

Figure 2 is an elevation of the computing fluid meter pump shown in Fig. 1 as viewed from line 22, Fig. 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of a differentialflow solenoid control valve which is included in this structure.

Figure 4 shows the coin receiving mechanism as viewed from line 44 in Fig. 1, on an enlarged scale.

Figure 5 shows an elevation of the coin receiver base.

Figure 6 shows an end elevation of the coin receiver base, partly in section to show the passageway of the coin.

Figure '7 shows a segment of the coin receiver base in section as viewed from line 1-1 in Fig. 6.

Figure 8 shows a segment of the coin receiver base in section as viewed from line 8-8 in Fig. 5.

Figure 9 is an enlarged fragment of Fig. 4 showing in elevation the coin actuated control mechanism.

Figure 10 shows an end elevation, partly in section, of the coin actuated control mechanism shown at Fig. 9.

Figure 11 is similar to Fig. 10 but showing a. coin in the position assumed in operation of the unit and the parts in resultant position.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary view of Fig. 11 showing the coin release mechanism after release of the coin.

Figure 13 is an elevation of the fluid dispensing control mechanism as viewed from line l3--I3 in Fig. 14.

Figure 14 is an elevation of the liquid dispensing control mechanism as viewed from line I4l4 in Fig. 1.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary view of Fig. 13 showing the parts at a different stage of operation.

Figure 16 is a plan view of the mechanism shown in Figs. 13, 14 and 15, the frame being shown in section.

Figure 17 is a sectional view of a manually adjustable automatic clutch control mechanism as indicated at line l1l'l in Fig. 14. V

Figure 18 is a fragmentary view of Fig. 13, showing the parts in a diflerent operative position.

Figure 19 shows a segment of the clutch control mechanism as viewed from line l9l9' in Fig. 18 but positioned to open certain switches operable in conjunctionwith this mechanism.

Figure 20 shows a fragment of Fig. 13 but on a larger scale and with parts in a different operative position.

Figures 21, 22 and 23 illustrate difierent operative positions of a control switch as shown in Fig. 19.

Figure 24 shows linkage between the control mechanism and conventional interlock and switch controls of the fluid dispensing apparatus.

Figure 25 shows a portion of the same linkage as shown in Fig. 24, as viewed from line 25-25 of Fig. 24.

Figure 26 shows, on an enlarged scale. a segment of the linkage shown in Fig. 24, as viewed from line 26-26, Fig. 24.

Figure 27 is a sectional view of the segment of linkage shown in Fig. 26, as viewed from line 2'l2'| of Fig. 26.

Figure 28 is a diagram of the electrical circuits used for the operation of the herein illustrated 'and'described embodiment of the invention.

In the construction of the improvement as shown, a typical computing fluid meter pump, such as is commonly used to dispense gasoline, is modified by the addition of the coin actuating control and other mechanisms about to be described. Those conventional elements in 'a fluid meter pump are enclosed in a typically hollow case or frame 40 to which there is added a housing 41 for the coin actuating control mechanisms, which housing 4! is preferably integral with the case i0. .This housing 4| is preferably formed in the shape of a box, having a hinged door 42 for the front panel with lock 63 to restrict access to the mechanisms therein. It is also desirable that the walls of this housing be made of rigid metal of suflicient thickness for protection against intruders. At the lower end of this 'housin'g there are provided sloping walls 45 to guide coins into chute 45 and thence into coin receiver 46. This coin receiver is provided with locking door 41 to restrict access to the contents therein. It follows that all revenue, in the form of coins,

derived through sales by the automatic-coin controlled fluid meter pump will pass through case 4| to be deposited in receiver 46 for eventual collection by the proprietor of the pump. in operation of this apparatus, pump 48 draws liquid from a supply below, not shown, through intake pipe 49. From pump 43 the fluid is discharged through line Fall into air release chamber thence through rotary fluid meter 52, thence through control valve 53, and finally through delivery hose as. The actual rate of delivery is controlled by the valve operated nozzle '55 at the end of the hose. All of the elements in the fluid passage line are conventional and commonly associated with such fluid dispensing apparatus except control valve 53, which operates in conjunction with coin actuated control mechanisms in housing 4|.

Th control valve 53, shown in section in Fig.

v3,.is 'a globe type valve having an elongated body and separating partition 56 to accommodate two closing needles 51 and 58 which seat in their respective orifices 57a and 58a in parttion 56.

These needles are normally closed, and are'op'ened by energizing solenoids 59 and 60 which move iron cores 51b and 58b of the needles. To .prevent leakage of fluid past these cores, they are placed in cylindrical containers 6! which are "screwed into valve body '53 to form tightrco'mpartments. To seal the solenoids from contact with outside vapors, a housing 62 is provided which maybe closed by lid '53. This feature s 4 a safety precaution to eliminate the possibility of fires which might otherwise be caused by an accidental burning out of a solenoid.

It is to be noted that needle 53 is smaller than needle 57 to provide a differential rate of flow through the valve. In operation of the pump both needles 5'! and 58 are open and a larger amount of flow passes through 51. However, when the allotted portion of fluid is almost delivered, needle 51 will close, in a manner later explained, and the remaining portion of the fluid will pass through orifice 58a, thereby greatly reducing the rate of flow through the line. To restrict and adjust the rate of flow through orifice 58a, baflle screw 84 is provided which may be moved toward orifice 58a to reduce the effective size of that opening, the adjustment of this screw being permitted by cap 64a. By this differential action the flow through the pump will be slowed down prior to stoppage of fluiddelivery and thereby over-travel oi the various mechanisms and excessive delivery is prevented:

The movement of the liquid through fuel line and through rotary fluid meter 52 imparts rotation to shaft '65 which operates computing head 66. The gears within this computing head, not shown, are proportioned to movements within meter 52 to properly register the dials 61 on the face of the computing head to indicate the amount of liquid delivered, and the dials til to indicate the monetary value thereof.

An interlock resetting shaft 83 passes through this computing head 66 and is attached to the interlock mechanism indicated generally at 69. The other end of this shaft, not shown in Fig. l, is attached to resetting handle it by means of drives later described.

The elements described thus far in connection with the computing head are conventional, and

. conventional operation of the liquid dispensing apparatus may now be described: By placing nozzle 55 in hook H, movement of hinge l2 releases interlock 69, thereby permitting the turning of crank it to set indicator dials 6'! to the zero or initial position. Lifting the nozzle from hook H permits hinge 72 to move outward thereby permitting rocker 13 to rotate and move rod 14 upward, turning on switch 15 of motor '16 to operate pump 48. This action also locks the interlock '69 so dials '61 cannot be moved by crank 70. When a desired amount of liquid is delivered, nozzle 55 is returned to hook ll, thereby shutting off pump 48 and releasing interlock 69 to permit repetition of the cycle. This sequence of operationis essentially the same with the coin operated apparatus installed, although in that case the flow of liquid is automatically stopped by valve 53 upon the delivery of a specified amount and the resetting operation must include the deposit of a coin within the mecha- To avoid the necessity of replacing the nozzle 55 while resetting, a pull-push button 1'! is linked to rocker arm 73.

In addition to the conventional elements in computinghead 66, there is extension shaft 18, connected to shaft 65 through suitable gears not shown and which is geared to shaft i the automatic coin actuated control mechanisms about to be described. Thus rotation of shaft '65 by meter 52 notv only imparts movement into the computing head '66, but also movement to operate coin actuated control mechanisms.

The coin actuated control mechanism consists of two ,parts--the coin receiving apparatus and Enid?! the" moving elementslinkedwith the computing head. In the embodiment of the invention shown, the coin receiving apparatus is placed on the hinged door 42 of housing 4I,'as shown in Fig. 4, and consists of three sections, the receiver frame 80, the selectors 8| and the contact mechanism 82.

To permit coins to enter the receiver frame 80, slots 83 are-cut in the face of the door 42 as shown in Fig. 2. To cover and protect these slots when not in use, hinged gate 84 is provided which may be easily lifted whenever necessary. In the embodiment considered, slots are provided for three sizes of coins, preferably a quarter dollar, half dollar and dollar. The receiver frame 80, shown in detail in- Figs. 5, 6, 7 and 8, is based on a flat plate 85 fastened to door 42 with screws as at 86. Three vertical ribs, 80a,- 80b and 800 protruding from this plate, contain slots for the respective enumerated coins. Across the top there is a connecting ridge 8! which reinforces the construction of the unit and forms a base for other mechanisms presently described. Between door 42 and plate 85 there is interposed a slot closing slide 88 which is provided with three slots adapted to coincide with slots 84. When closed, to exclude coins, this slide 88 assumes the position shown in Fig. '7.

However, the slide is normally held in the open position 88 by spring 89.

'- On ridge 8'! there are ears 90 which serve as bearings for shaft 9|. To one end of this shaft there is attached rocker arm'92, linked by- 93 to the armature of relay 94. A spring 95 is provided to hold the mechanism in a normally open position. At the other end of this shaft there is provided base 96 upon which there is mounted a tilt switch 91. One leg of this base is elongated to form finger 98 which extends downward to contact and move slide 88. When slide 88 is in the open position the armature of .relay 94 is also open, as shown in Fig. 5. This permits the placing of a coin in the mechanism whereby solenoid 94 is energized by means later described, and the downward movement of the armature of solenoid 94 rotates shaft 9I causing finger 98 to push slide 88 closed. It is to be noted that when shaft 9I rotates, the inclination of switch 9'! changes and thereby closes the circuit to motor 16 as will be later described.

In slide 88 there is provided a hole-99 which .is aligned with a shaft I whenever slide 88 'is closed by finger 98. .This shaft I00 is slidable in a boss 85a in plate 85 normal to slide 88. e The shaft I00 is connected with the armature IOId of relay IOI, with suitable play in the connections to prevent the arcuate 'motionof armature "IOIa from causing the shaft I00 to bind in the boss 85a. This armature is spring loaded, in a manner not shown, to open and push shaft I00 into hole 99 whenever properlyaligned. Thus the coin slide is closed during the period of delivery of the liquid and remains closed-until an electrical impulse energizes relay IM to release slide 88 to permit to return to the open position.

To. operate the liquid dispensing apparatus manually, provision is made to disconnect the automatic mechanism and to close those circuits required for manual operation only. One step .of such changeover is accomplished by turning lock I02 to theposition shown in Fig. 7. The

lock I02 consists of a cam, rotatable to provide wedging action against finger 98, thereby rotat- Mg III with the wall of notch H2.

6 ing said finger to hold slide 88 closed andswitch 91 tilted to circuit-closed position.

Conventional coin selectors are provided to 'separate true from spurious coins. These are mounted on the door 42 between the receiver frame and the contact mechanism 82. Three such units are shown, 8 la, 8Ib and 8 I c, for the respective coins. While true coins pass to the contact mechanism, spurious coins are dropped into chute I03 and pass to the outside through slot [04in door 42. Receiver cup I05 is provided to facilitate a courteous return of such spurious coins.

The contact mechanism 82, shown in detail in Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12, contains those elements wherewith electrical switches of various circuits are closed by a coin C to actuate the liquid dispensing apparatus. This mechanism consists of a plurality of units, 82a, 82b and 820, to accommodate a quarter dollar, a half dollar and a dollar respectively. Each unit is aligned below a corresponding slot in the selectors to properly receive the coins. Passing from a selector 8|, the coin enters a chute I06 where it falls a short distance, thereby gaining momentum. This chute is mounted on standards I01 and may be sloping somewhat to permit clearance of other mechanisms. At the bottom of the chute there is a detent I08 and gate I09 which halt the fall of the coin; however, the momentum of the coin causes the detent I08 to be offset, thereby rotating rocker arm IIO to which it is attached, as shown in Fig. 11. The movement of the detent I08 is restricted by lug III moving in notch H2. The rocker arm H0 is preferably swivel mounted, as on ears H3, and is provided with a magnet H4 at its distal end. As the rocker arm rotates by the coin responsive movement of detent I08, magnet II4 approaches magnetically operable switch Il5, preferably of a mercury typeas illustrated, and the magnetically attractive element II6 of said switch moves toward magnet II4 thereby plunging finger II'I into a bubble of mercury I I8 to close the circuit. Excessive movement of the magnet II4 toward the switch I I5 is prevented by engagement of The above described elements I08 to H8 are identical in all of the three structures for the three different coins. The switches are designated by different letters, for convenience in describing the three circuits, namely, M511, M521 and H50.

Gate I09 is held closed by an extension of the armature of relay II9, the said extension having a sloping surface 911 slidable against roller I09a of gate I09. This relay is so positioned that gate I09 is open whenever the said relay is not energized as illustrated at Fig. 12. There'- fore, the relay H9 is always in an energized state whenever the coin-actuated mechanism is in operation, being de-energized to open gate I09 to release coin C. When the coin is released the detent I08 returns to its normal position and magnet II4 is retracted from its switch, thereby opening the circuit. This retractile movement of rocker arm II 0 may be accomplished either through the action of gravity or by a spring-loaded means not shown.

' The moving elements of the coin-actuated mechanism are connected with interlock resetting shaft 68 and shaft I9 as heretofore mentioned. The interlock resetting shaft 68 .is connected to handle I0 by means of gears I20 and I2I, chain I22 and shaft I15, later described, all as shown in Fig. 13,.and the turning 7 oficrank- 10 not only resets the interlock mechanism by turning shaft 68, but also resetsother control mechanisms as later described. The rotation of shaft I9, accomplished by connection to shaft 18 with suitable bevel gears I23, operates the controls which indicate the'amount of fluid delivered through meter'52. This shaft extends into housing M and is connected with rotating control disc I25 and I26. V Y

.The ratios of gears I25 and I28 are such as to restrict rotation of control head I24 to, less than one revolution for the maximum amount of;l .quid delivered by operation of a single coin.

n control head I24 there are placed stops, 127a, I21!) and I2'Ic, adapted to engage hook I28 as shown in .Figs. 14 and 15. The stops I2Ia,

I 2'I b and H10, positioned on the control head I24 during delivery of fluid, move in counterclockwise direction in the embodiment shown. Stop I2'i a is so positioned that it will move into engagement with hook I28 when the quarter dollar's worth of fluid has been delivered. Stop ,I'ZFIbis positioned to engage hook I28 when a half dollars worth of fluid has been delivered, and stop I270 is positioned to engage hook I28 when a dollars worth of fiuidhas been delivered. Stops I2'Ia, I2l'b and I210 move along arcs of different radii with respect to the center of controlhead I24 in such a manner that stops I210. and :I2'Ib will pass below hook I28, when it is in its normal retracted position, while stop I210, moving along an arc of the largest radius, will make contact with the hook I28. This hook ispivotally mounted on sliding base I29 by pin I30 and may be lowered by finger I3I to contact either stop .I2'Ia ortI2'Ib. This finger is attached to a sleeve I32 which is slidable and rotatable on shaft I33 to provide longitudinal movement and rotation of finger I3I, thuspermitting it to follow all movements of hook I28. A spring I34 is provided .to hold the hook I28 in the normal retracted position. To lower this hook,- a disc I35 is attached to the upper end of sleeve I32, responsive to contact by extensions of the armatures of relays I36 and 131. These relays are positioned at different elevations to cause differ- .ent degrees of movement of hook I28. Thus, when relay I36is energized, hook I28 is lowered sufliciently to engage stop I211) but still to permit clearance of stop I2la. The relays IBG'an'd I31 are in circuit with switches I I51) and I Id respectively and when relay I3! is energized, hook I28 will be lowered sufficiently to engage stop I2'Iq. Whenever a stop contacts hook I28, the rotation of the control head I24 tends .to pull the hook'in a horizontal direction and therewith base i253 to the left as viewed in Figs. 14. and 15.

To provide means for such movements, the

base 7 I29 is slidably mounted in bracket I38 at one end, and supported by link I39 near the other end. Spring I40 is also provided to retract the base after the hook I28 is released .irom a stop I21.

.At the extremity of the base I29 there is mounted magnet I4I which moves toward magnetically operated normally closed sequence switches I42 and I43 "responsive to engagement (of 'a stop with hook I28. These switches are 'pivotally mounted on a clip I44 and the mount .iSfDIOVldi-ld with set screws for adjustment and springs "to provide tension and to permit movement whenever the switches I42 and I43 are contacted by the moving magnet MI. "The switches are sequence adjusted to permit switch I24 through spur gears I42 to be contacted by magnet I4I first, and thereby open ahead of switch I43. These switches areconnected with solenoids 59 and 60 of control valve 53 (Fig. 3) previously described, switch I42 being in circuit with solenoid 59 and switch I43 being in circuit with solenoid 60. Therefore, as a'stop I21 contacts hook I28, rotation of the control disc I24 moves magnet I4I toward the switches I42 and I43. Switch I42 is opened first, and this action de-energizes solenoid 59, thereby closing orifice 51a. This reduces the rate of fiow of the liquid through the meter 52 and all mechanisms, including control disc I24, are slowed down. Further movement ofthe magnet I4I causes switch I43 to open, de-energizing solenoid 50, thereby closing orifice 58a, stopping all mechanisms actuated by the meter 52. Since stops I2Ic, I27b and I2'Ic are positioned on head I24 to permit metering of definite quantities of liquid, proportional to the value of a given coin, they must be set on the head I24 with precision.

Adjusting screws I212: are provided for this purpose.

The control head I 24 and the gear I25 are mounted on shaft I45 and are freely rotatable thereon, shaft I 45 being rigidly fixed to the inside wall of housing M. The control head I24 is connected with gear I 26 through clutch I48 whenever liquid is being dispensed in the manner explained above; however, this clutch disengages to permit the control head I24 to rotate freely and to return to its original position during resetting operations. To facilitate this return ;to the original position, the control head I24 is connected with the shaft I45 by an involute spring I47 which is adjusted to cause a clockwise move: ment of the control head. An adjustable stop I48 is provided to contact a pin I49 mounted on the underside of the control head I24 to establish the proper initial position of the control head.

The clutch I45 consists of two frictionally con.- 'nective faces I46a and I461), placedon hubs on the control head I24 and gear I26 respectively, and clutching action is obtained by sliding move.- ment of the gear I26 along shaft I45. The clutch is normally held in engagement by spring I50. To disengage the clutch, there is provided a grooved hub 'I5I on the gear I26 in which fingers of yoke I52 are positioned. This yoke is pivotally mounted to a base formed by ears I53, whereby movement of roller I54, at the terminal end of the yoke I52, upon disc I 55 of the interlock resetting head I56, will cause disengagement of the clutch as shown in Fig. 18. For engagement of the clutch, the disc I55 is provided with an opening I55a, in which roller I54 reclines when the interlock. resetting head is in the normal position for automatic coin-actuated operation of the mechanism. When the interlock resetting head is being rotated as by turning crank 10 the roller I 54 moves upon the disc I55 and the clutch is disengaged and during such interval the con,- trol head may return to its normal position. It followsthat when the flow of liquid is stopped by the closing of valve 53, through action of magnet I '4I against switches I42 and I43, further operation of the coin-actuated mechanism will be impossible until there is rotation of crank III which disengages clutch I46 and permits control head I24 to return to its initial position.

In addition to the actions-above described, the

interlock. resetting head is used for other purposes in the setting and adjusting of the coinactuated apparatus, since it must be rotated after the delivery-of .a predetermined amount of liquid.

The slide release switch I51 is mounted on rocker base I58. This base is provided with a roller I59 which contacts the periphery of disc I55, and is held tightly thereagainst by a spring I60. As the resetting head I56 rotates, the roller I59 drops into opening I55a, thereby permitting spring I60 to tilt the switch I51, as shown at Fig. 19. This closes the circuit and energizes relay IOI, thereby opening the coin slide 88 in a manner heretofore explained.

Another switch I6I is mounted on a pivot base I62. This base is provided with rocker arm I63 containing a notch I64 as shown in Figs. 21, 22 and 23. This rocker arm is pivotally mounted to base I62, and is adapted, by connection with spring I65, to press against interlock resetting head I56. The spring I65 is so positioned that rocker arm I63 and base I62 are also pushed upwards against pin I66 mounted on the rear wall of the housing 4I. To operate this switch I6I by movement of pivot base I62, two extension pins I61 and I68 are mounted on the underside of the disc I55 as shown in Fig. 20. R- tation of the resetting head in the usual counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 21, permits extension pin I61 to pass rocker arm I63 and extension pin I68 to fall into the notch I64 as shown in Fig. 21. This movement occurs at the end of the resetting stroke as accomplished by turning handle 10. stroke is adjusted to obtain a backlash of about one fourth revolution with rotation of the resetting head in a clockwise direction as indicated in Fig. 22. During this clockwise movement pin I68 depresses the rocker arm I63, tilting base I62 and switch I6I. As the backlash movement continues, pin I61 contacts the upper portion of rocker arm I63, thereby pushing pin I68 out of notch I64 to permit the rocker arm and'base to return to the normalposition as shown in Fig. 23. This switch I6I is normally closed, and is opened when tilted as by the resetting stroke above described. It is placed in circuit in series with the sequence switch I43, and in circuit with relay II9. Thus, relay H9 is energized when both switch I43 and switch I6! are closed, and when either of these switches is opened the relay I I9 is de-energized and gate I09 opens to release any coin in a chute I06. Thus, a coin may be released responsive to delivery of a measured amount of liquid or by resetting the dials of computing head 66 by turning handle if desirable before the automatic release of the coin.

The interlock resetting head I 56, shown in section in Fig. 1'7, may be adjusted to hold the clutch I46 open if it is desirable to operate the liquid dispensing apparatus without the use of the coin controlled mechanisms. The resetting head I56 is slidably and rotatably mounted on a shaft I69 which is an extension of the interlock resetting shaft 68; however, the resetting head is normally locked to this shaft I69 by splines I10 on the shaft and matching splines [10a on the resetting head. A spring I1I is placed in a core within the resetting head I56 to compress the splines I10a against splines I10. Disengagement of the splines may be obtained by pulling the head to a position as shown in Fig. 20.

There are preferably two matching splines on each member to obtain a rotation of 180 degrees, thus. limiting adjustments to two positions. In the operations previously described the resetting'head was-positioned to permit the wheel 54 of yoke I52 to liein'the slot 'I55ain disc I575 However, this resetting ergized as previously explained.

10 whenever liquid is being dispensed. When the resetting head is rotated degrees by changing the position of the splines, the wheel I54 will be upon the disc I55, and the clutch I46 will be disengaged. Then the coin controlled mechanisms cannot function because, regardless of the movement of the spur gear I26, the control head I24 will not move.-

One of the objectives of this invention is to eliminate all hazards of fire that may arise from the fumes of a volatile inflammable fluid such as gasoline. Therefore, all switches described .are preferably glass enclosed mercury contact switches of a type which eliminates all possibilities of sparking in the atmosphere when the switches are opening or closing. To provide further safety the housing M, which contains most of the mechanisms above described and all of the switches except the motor switch 15, is sealed from the main case 40 of the dispensing apparatus. Where the shafts I69 and 19 pass through the wall of housing 4I there are provided sealed bearings I12 of a construction such as shown in Fig. 17.

The motor 16, which operates the main pump 48, is controlled by switch 15 and also by switch 91 as previously described. Switches 15 and 91 are in series in the same circuit, and thus both switches must be closed before the motor 16 becomes operative. The switch 91, mounted upon the tilting base 96, is closed when relay 94 is en- Relay 94 is placed in circuit with switch II5c whereby the action of a dollar in the contact mechanism 820 will close switch I I50 and energize relay 94. Re-

lay 94 is also in circuit with a switch I13 which is placed on the armature of relay I36, closing whenever the said relay is energized. This is accomplished by closing switch I I5b by the action switch I14, it follows that these switches must be connected in parallel as shown in the wiring diagram in Fig. 28. It likewise follows that the switch 91, in the circuit for the motor 16, is operated bythe action of the coins; however, it should also be noted that this switch may be held closed by action of the lock I02 whenever it is desirable to disconnect the coin operated means.

The motor switch 15 is controlled by the interlock mechanism 69, being connected thereto by rod 14. This switch may be turned on when the nozzle 55 is removed from hook H to permit the hinge 12 to be moved outward or to permit pushing of button 11, all as previously described. Whenever the nozzle is off the hook 12, as when it is placed in a receiving receptacle as a gasoline tank, and when a metered amount of fluid is delivered by operation of the coin controlled mechanisms, it may be desirable to add another coin to the mechanism to obtain additional liquid without replacing the nozzle 55 on hook 12. For this purpose a linkage is provided between the handle 10 and the interlock mechanism 69, as shown in Fig. 24, whereby rotation of the handle 10 depresses the rocker 13 of the interlock mechanism 69 before the dials of the computing head 61 are cleared.

The'handle 10 is attached to shaft I15 which ll is mounted on suitable bearingsasat I15, The gear I2! which connects with the computing head, and other mechanisms previously described, mounted on this shaft I15, but is freely rotatable thereon. Rotation of the said gear I2I is accomplished by crank I", attached to shaft I75, contacting pin I18 which is attached to the gear I 2I. However, in the initial position of operation the crank I'I'I does not contact the pin IIB, but is held against a pin I'IS by spring I89. The pin, I'I9'is so positioned that the handle it) has to be turned approximately 45 degrees before crank II'I engages pin I18, and during this portion of the movement of handle It! the gear I2I is held in position by friction of other gears within the computing head 66. During this movement of the handle I an extension pin I'I'Ia on crank ,II'I trips lever IBIa of rod IBI. This rod is rotatable, being mounted on suitable bearings I82; I At its distal end there is provided another lever I83 pivotally engaged to connecting rod I 84 which, in turn, is connected to the rocker 13'. It follows that the initial movement of the handle thereby rotates rod I8I to'depress the rocker .'3 to shut off the motor I6 before crank I 11 engages pin I18 to initiate rotation of the interlock resetting shaft 68 and the clearing of the dials within the computing head 66.

To operate the apparatus above described there must be provided a source-cf power which might be a battery or generator, as generally indicated.

at I85, and from this source there is conveniently located a power lead P as shown in Fig. 28. The power lead P has a conventional manually-operated switch P for turning on or shutting off the apparatus, switch P being normally closed during operation. A motor circuit M is attached to this power-lead as at I86, and contains switches 51 and 15, in series, and the motor I6. Motor control circuits N and N are provided to operate the switch 91 by energizing relay 94. The circuit N is attached to the power lead P, as at terminal I81, and is provided with switches I13 and I 74 connected in parallel, as previously described, and operates when a half dollar or quarter dollar is placed in the mechanism. The circuit N is atv tached in the power lead, as 'at'terminal I88, and is connected in parallel with circuit N at terminal I89. In this circuit N there is switch -II5c which closesby the action of a dollar as described.

There are also provided control circuits 0 and Tim operation of relays I36 and I3I respectively.

In circuit 0 there is switch II5b which responds to the action of a half dollar in the mechanism. In circuit T there is switch IIBa which responds to the action of a quarter dollar. As stated, the relays I 36 and I3! operate to close switches I13 and I14, and to lower hook I28'to engage stops I 2111 or IZ'I'b. These circuits are attached to the power lead at terminal I90, and are essentially connected in parallel as shown, but may also "be 7 connected as separate circuits.

A coin slide release circuit Qis connectedto the power lead at terminal I9I. This circuit contains relay IOI and switch I5I in series. The

switch and relay operate in the manner as described above, and the switch is normally open,

being closed only momentarily.

A control valve circuit R is connected to the power lead P at terminal I92, andis bifurcated at 193 to form. separate or parallel circuits R and R" to solenoids 59 and -69 of control valve -53. The circuitR to solenoid 59 contains the -normally closed sequenceswitch I42. The circuit R" to solenoid contains the normally closed 12 sequence switch I43 which opens a short time after the first switch opens, as previously explained. At terminal I94 in circuit R" there is a bifurcation point, with one lead, forming the coin release circuit S. The circuit S is operative with switch I43, and 'also contains the normally closed switch IBI to operate relay I I 9. It is to be noted that theseswitches are normally closed and open only during the resetting operations or whenever a predetermined quantity of liquid is metered and it is desirable to close the valve 53. A typical cycle of operation of the apparatus may best be described by assuming an initial condition as upon a completion of a previous operation after a measured amount of fluid had been delivered and with the indicator dials 61 and 51 at some value other than zero, and with or without the nozzle 55 placed upon the hook II. In such state, the switch P would be closed, the coin slide 83 would be closed by the extension of shaft Itiiinto the hole 99 of the slide, the disc I 24 would be rotated to a position such that a stop I2? would have engaged and offset the hook I28, the magnet MI would have'the sequence switches isz and H53 opened and thereby'the valve 53 would be closed so that there couldbe no delivery of fluid, and a coin would be lodged in the contact mechanism 82 with a switch II 5 closed by the coin. g V I For operation, beginning with the above assumed pcsition of parts, the first'step isto turn the handle it. The first phase of rotation of'the handle acts to depress the rocker T3 to move the interlock mechanism and shut off the motonl'fi by openingtheswitch l5. 7 This operation is the same as would be, accomplished by hanging the nozzle 55 upon the hook II. Next, the rotation of the handle Iii initiates rotation of shaft'68 and sets the indicatordials 6i and 67"" to zero; .At the same time, the rotation of the shaft 68 is accompanied by rotation of disc I55 and the resulting movement, of the roller I 54 from the opening IEEaand onto the face of disc I5 5, dis- .engages the clutch I ls which permits the control head I34 to return to its initial position. Such return removes the stop I21 from the hook I2 3, magnet I43 I moves away from sequence switches Hi2 and its to close those switches and open valve 53 for subsequent fluid delivery. I

.The continuing rotation of the disc I55 moves the opening I55a to a position-to tilt and momentarily close the slide release switch I57 to energize the relay IEJI, retract shaft I and permit the coin slide .33 to move to the open position for deposit of .a coin. The. movement of the coin sliders tilts t e linge 8 and opens the i c 51 of themotor circuit 7'5.

Further continuing rotation of the disc I55 to its f nal returned position where clutch .I ldreengag h c trol head 24 i acco an ed "by m ment of pins 1.6.1 and 15 h ch a t, wit rocker arm I63 .to momentaril open the normally closed switch ISI and th reby dee nergize relay lie to permitithe gate I69 .to d Q-P @Iid rele the i e d b the cont c mechan m 82 .from the preceding operation. N This release acts to open the switch ,I I5 and deenergize the circuits connected therewith.

h ne t s p c sistsrm lthe deposit of a coin,

energized and gate I09 being closed to hold the coin in place. The closure of switch Hb reacts to energize relay 36 to thereby lower hook I28 to the position to engage stop l2'lb by subsequent rotation of the head I24. The energizing of relay I36 lowers its armature and thereby closes switch I13 thereon. This closure energizes relay 94 which tilts the finger 98, associated therewith, to push the coin slide 88 closed and close the switch 91 of the motor circuit M. The coin slide is then held closed by the shaft I00 entering the hole 99.

The next step is to remove the nozzle from the hook and to push button 11 to close switch 15 and commence delivery of fluid. As such delivery progresses, the rotation of the indicator dials 61 and 61 is accompanied by rotation of the computing head I24 and this continues until the stop [21b contacts hook I28 and moves the magnet Ml against the sequence switches I42 and M3 to open and deenergize the solenoids 59 and 60 of the control valve 53 to shut off that valve and complete the cycle.

Now I have described in detail only an embodiment of my invention, and other variations and alterations of the mechanisms involved in its operation will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is therefore my desire that the scope of my invention be limited only by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In combination with a fluid dispensing apparatus having a liquid reservoir, a flow line therefrom, a pump in the flow line, a fluid meter in the flow line, a computing head operatively connected with the fluid meter, means for selectively activating and stopping the pump, means for setting the computing head to zero, and means for preventing the activation of the pump until the computing head is set to zero, scales and mechanisms in the computing head indicating the monetary Value of the quantity of fluid registered by the meter, the additional elements comprising: a valve operable responsive to electrical impulses initiated at a switch, a switch and switch-operating mechanism including a hook movable to various positions, coin activated means adapted to move the hook to a position predetermined by a coin inserted in the activating means, a rotatable disc carrying stops adapted to selectively engage said hook in its various positions, switch contacting means associated with the hook and adapted to activate the switch when moved into contact therewith,

said switch contacting means being adapted to contact the switch responsive to the engagement of any one of the stops with the hook, and means for rotating the disc.

2. In apparatus as defined in claim 1, a single means for setting the head to zero and for setting the disc to initial position.

3. In apparatus as defined in claim 1, the means for setting the computing head to zero being linked to the disc, and thereby adapted to set 14 the disc in initial position coincident with settin the head to zero.

4. In apparatus as defined in claim 1, the said means for rotating the disc comprising a link-tee between the disc and the said scales and mechanisms, and the said means for setting the computing head to zero being further linked to the disc and adapted to disconnect said linkage between the disc and the said scales and mechanisms upon setting the said head to zero, and further adapted to set the disc in initial position coincident with setting the head to zero.

5. In apparatus as defined in claim 1, two linkages for connecting the computing head mechanism with the disc, the first linkage being adapted to set the head indicating mechanism at zero and coincidently set the disc at initial or start ing position, and thereupon to automatically disconnect itself, and the second linkage adapted to coordinate the operation of the scales and mechanisms with the rotation of the disc, and being adapted to operatively connect said mechanisms with the disc upon the disconnection of the first linkage.

6. In apparatus as defined in claim 1, two linkages for connecting the computing head mechanism with the disc, the first linkage being adapted to set the head indicating mechanism at zero and coincidently set the disc at initial or starting position, and thereupon to automatically disconnect itself, and the second linkage adapted to coordinate the operation of the scales and mechanisms with the rotation of the disc, and being adapted to operatively connect said mechanisms with the disc upon the disconnection oi the first linkage, the rotation of the disc and the indicating mechanisms being operative responsive to the coin activating mechanism.

'7. In apparatus as defined in claim 1, two linkages for connecting the head computing mechanism with the disc, the first linkage being adapted to set the head indicating mechanism at zero and coincidently set the disc at initial or starting position, and thereupon to automatically disconnect itself, and the second linkage adapted to coordinate the operation of the scales and mechanisms with the rotation of th disc, and being adapted to operatively connect said mechanisms with the disc upon the disconnection of the first linkage, manually operable means for selectively disconnecting and reconnecting the said linkage whereby to render the apparatus, selectively, coin activated or manually operable.

VERN W. WEST.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,223,146 Yeomans Nov. 26, 1940 2,384,585 Alexander Sept. 11, 1945 2,451,776 Rush Oct. 19, 1948 

